BERLIN, GERMANY--Fortunately, it doesn't cost an arm or a leg, even though you may end up wondering what to do with this after purchase. It's too small to be placed in a living room environment and too big for the wallet. But being tiny does appeal to our geek love for miniaturization. So it's hard to resist getting one of these. After all, it costs only 49 euros (US$76) and you should be able to get it in Asia in about two months' time. The picture frame has a QVGA resolution, measures 95 x 77 x 13mm, reads from SD, SDHC and MMC flash media, and has an internal memory able to hold up to 45 pictures.
Although the Kodak M1033 has yet to be launched in most parts of Asia, the company has already rebranded this point-and-shoot in anticipation of the Olympics that is happening in August.
The M2008 is essentially the same as the M1033, down right to the 10-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, 3-inch LCD display and the ability to capture 720p-quality video. However, the matt-black chassis was worked on and now it sports the Olympic 2008 logo as well as two lines of Chinese characters that state the shooter to be the official camera for the event.
Kodak told us the M2008 will be available only in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. Not surprising, since these countries are predominantly Chinese. Pricing for this snapper is approximately US$270.
Remember our report about the rumor of Canon's sub-US$500 dSLR? The Japanese firm told us it cannot comment on hearsay and we respect that. But if our sources are correct, the EOS lineup may have a new sibling tomorrow.
Spanish Web site martin-iglesias.com has a small ad banner stating the arrival of the EOS 1000D on June 10. While Netizens are speculating about the specifications, we can't ask for much (can we?) if it is really tagged at less than US$500.
It is said that the EOS 1000D is Canon's answer to an affordable dSLR like Nikon is to the D40. But until we see the specification sheets and confirmed retail price, we can't make any assumptions.
Keep a lookout here as we will update as soon as we get new information.
In theory, you can fix most cameras onto your helmet or bicycle by using an obscene amount of adhesive tape. Sure, you'll look like a wreck, but your camera will be one if you fall.
A better option would be Oregon Scientific's ATC5K. Designed to capture adventurers' conquests on the most dangerous trails, the shockproof shooter can be mounted onto helmets or bicycles to record those awesome, palm-chilling first-person perspectives on video.
Like conventional digicams, the video resolution is 640 x 480 pixels at 30 frames per second, which is good enough to view on most displays. The internal memory holds 32MB of still pictures or videos, and the SD expansion slot supports up to 4GB. Unless you've brought enough AA-sized batteries for your expedition, we suggest you keep the viewing on the 1.5-inch LCD to a minimum.
The ATC5K will be available from August and will be priced at US$199. Check with your local retailers or get it on Oregon Scientific's Web site.
Mio Technology is hoping to take GPS to new places, more specifically, beyond the car. At Computex 2008 (Asia's largest technology tradeshow), Mio unveiled a new concept product called the "PND (portable navigation device) camera" that integrates a GPS radio into a digital camera. Details and specs are pretty light at the moment, but according to GPS Business News, the device will feature a 3.5-inch touchscreen and with the two integrated technologies, the camera will be able to geotag your photos.
Now, this isn't a completely novel idea. We've seen GPS modules that you can add to cameras, such as the Pharos Trips & Pics and the Sony GPS-CS1KA, to get this functionality. However, Mio's device aims to do away with extra accessories and let you carry just one do-it-all gadget. No word on when the camera will be available and even if it will make its way to the States, but perhaps SiRF Technology founder Kanwar Chadha's prediction is coming true? Will 2008 be the year where we see major manufacturers integrate GPS into digital cameras? And do you think this is a good idea?